Please join Valentino Dengat Frasca Food and Wineto support The VAD Foundation in our efforts to open one of the first all girls boarding school in South Sudan.

In May 2018, the foundation aims to open its second campus, a boarding school for girls called the Alok Girls’ Academy.

For this event we are focusing on expanding our commitment to girls’ education in South Sudan. There is no greater challenge and no greater responsibility than to make sure young women in South Sudan are able to pursue their education without the pressure of domestic responsibilities and early marriage.

With your help, we will make sure that more and more young women achieve higher education which will enable them to transform society in South Sudan.

Dave Eggers’ 2006 novel, What Is the What, was a riveting lens into the complexities of South Sudan, based on the life of "lost boy" Valentino Achak Deng. Now, Deng joins Steve Zodrow, Mercy Corps senior program officer for East and South Africa, in a discussion about the threat of famine and the future of South Sudan after years of civil war. Moderated by WorldOregon.

Valentino Ackak Deng, invites you to join him at the 2nd annual LA Story telling event to support The Valentino Ackak Deng (VAD) Foundation in their efforts to open one of the first all girls boarding school in South Sudan.

In May 2018, the foundation aims to open its second campus, a boarding school for girls called the Alok Girls’ Academy. Currently in South Sudan less than 1% of young women finish high school. We chose the boarding school model to provide a safe and supportive environment where the girls can focus on their studies. The campus will be free from the distractions and demands of their lives at home, allowing the students to complete their studies.

With your help, we will make sure that more and more young women achieve higher education which will enable them to transform society in South Sudan.

On Sunday, October 1st, VADF Board member Leslie Danoff will host an intimate gathering honoring the Foundation's efforts to promote peace in South Sudan through education. The afternoon will feature two memorable treats: a Q and A with Valentino Achak Deng, the Foundation’s founder and hero of Dave Egger’s best-selling book, What Is The What. And, in keeping with the VAD Foundation’s emphasis on educating and empowering South Sudanese students, there will be a performance by Susan Danoff who will share folktales of struggle, transcendence, and insight.

Valentino Deng and Dave Eggers invite you to join them at The District to support The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation in their efforts to sustain education, food security and nutrition for their communities in South Sudan.

Drink and dine to support a great cause! Isa will donate 20% of all proceeds from the evening to the VAD Foundation. These funds will go toward supporting vocational education programs in South Sudan.

*Cost of ticket covers 3-course prix fixe dinner plus a glass of champagne, tax and gratuity. Ticket is not tax-deductible, but if you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to the foundation, feel free to bring your checkbook to the dinner or donate at vadfoundation.org!

Drink and dine to support a great cause! Your dinner will go toward supporting girls' education programs in South Sudan. Playa will donate 20% of all proceeds from the evening to the VAD Foundation, and ShineMaker will match all funds raised.

*Cost of ticket covers 3-course prix fixe dinner plus margarita, tax and gratuity. Ticket is not tax-deductible, but if you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to the foundation, feel free to bring your checkbook to the dinner!